This $44,000 Plug-in Hybrid Crossover Is The Quickest Toyota Without The GR Badge

The automotive landscape has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, with the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles challenging the dominance of traditional gasoline-powered engines. Amidst this burgeoning landscape stands the Toyota RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid SUV that dares to rewrite the rulebook on fuel efficiency and performance.

Its story, however, begins not in the present, but in the fertile ground of Toyota’s pioneering efforts in hybrid technology. As early as the 1990s, Toyota spearheaded the development of hybrid vehicles with the iconic Prius, offering unparalleled fuel economy and a glimpse into a future less reliant on fossil fuels.

The RAV4, a well-established nameplate synonymous with reliability and practicality, joined the hybrid bandwagon in 2015. However, the 2024 RAV4 Prime marks a significant evolution, venturing beyond the realm of fuel-sipping efficiency and into the thrilling world of performance.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota.

The Fastest Toyota Without A GR Badge

0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds!

When it comes to sheer driving exhilaration, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime attempts to rewrite the rulebook for hybrid SUVs. Its potent plug-in hybrid powertrain unleashes 302 horsepower, catapulting it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This puts the RAV4 Prime among the quickest Toyotas, all without wearing the coveted GR badge.

But the RAV4 Prime’s prowess extends far beyond stoplight sprints. Its advanced gas-electric drivetrain seamlessly blends exhilarating power with a refined, comfortable ride. The heart of this system lies in the enhanced 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, boasting 176 horsepower – the same as the RAV4 Hybrid. However, the Prime pairs this engine with two electric motors, unleashing a staggering total of 302 horsepower – a significant jump over the HEV’s 219 horsepower.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Specs

(Specs sourced from Toyota)

Up To 42 Miles Of All-electric Range

This potent combination translates to exhilarating on-road manners. The secret weapon behind this dynamic duality lies in the RAV4 Prime’s plug-in hybrid nature. Its 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for an estimated 42 miles of pure electric driving. This translates to emissions-free commutes and errand runs, ideal for reducing your environmental footprint and savoring the quiet efficiency of electric motoring.

When the battery depletes, the RAV4 Prime seamlessly transitions to hybrid mode, utilizing the combined power of the gasoline engine and electric motors to deliver exceptional fuel economy. This flexibility ensures that even on longer journeys, you’ll enjoy the benefits of both exhilarating performance and fuel efficiency.

The Prime’s Drive Modes Cater To Your Needs

The RAV4 Prime comes with three drive modes that can be selected to further tailor the driving experience:

• Eco Mode: This mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by smoothing out the acceleration and reducing energy consumption from the climate control system.
• Sport Mode: This mode sharpens the steering response and increases the responsiveness of the hybrid system, providing a more engaging driving experience.
• Trail Mode: This mode optimizes traction for off-road driving by managing the AWD system, brakes, and drive force control. It can be helpful for navigating rough roads or slippery surfaces.

By offering a variety of drive modes, the RAV4 Prime offers flexibility to choose the setting that best suits needs and driving conditions.

The RAV4 Prime Adapts To Every Road

Beyond its impressive speed and efficiency, the RAV4 Prime shines in its adaptable nature, effortlessly transitioning from city streets to open highways and even venturing off the beaten path. Its Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system provides confidence on any terrain, engaging the rear wheels for improved acceleration and traction when needed. Whether navigating slippery city streets or tackling a gravel driveway, the RAV4 Prime delivers a surefooted grip.

For those seeking adventure beyond the pavement, the RAV4 Prime offers a driver-selectable Trail mode. This mode acts like a virtual off-road coach, utilizing braking intervention to free a stuck wheel and redirecting torque to the grounded wheel for improved traction. Paired with available paddle shifters for enhanced control on descents, the RAV4 Prime masters even challenging terrain with surprising capability.

This Toyota Predicts The Future For Efficiency

But the RAV4 Prime isn’t just about muscle; it’s also about smarts. Its predictive efficient drive system acts as a hypermiling co-pilot, learning your driving patterns and road features like hills and stoplights to optimize hybrid battery usage. This invisible eco-champion anticipates the road ahead, seamlessly adjusting the powertrain for maximum efficiency, whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising down the highway.

This intelligence extends beyond fuel economy. The RAV4 Prime’s under-floor Lithium-Ion battery placement not only preserves passenger space but also lowers the center of gravity for enhanced handling. This translates to a planted and confident feel on the road, even when corners are tackled with enthusiasm. Additionally, the RAV4 Prime’s advanced heat pump HVAC system minimizes energy consumption for climate control, ensuring your electric driving range doesn’t suffer when the temperature rises or falls.

Two Flavors For The Driving Enthusiast

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t your average fuel-sipping hybrid crossover. Sure, it boasts impressive fuel efficiency and an electric-only driving range of 42 miles, but beneath its practical skin lies a beating heart that craves a little more asphalt. For those who appreciate a hint of performance in their eco-friendly ride, Toyota offers the RAV4 Prime in two flavors: SE and XSE.

Sport With Substance

The SE trim level serves as the entry point for the sporty RAV4 Prime experience. Black exterior accents, including a diamond-painted grille and dual chrome-tipped exhaust, set the tone for a more aggressive aesthetic. 18-inch painted and machined alloy wheels further the sporty vibe, while the tech-packed cockpit keeps you informed and entertained with a seven-inch driver’s display and an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.

Inside, the SE boasts fabric-trimmed seats with sporty red stitching and embossed seat inserts. Heated front seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with red stitching add a touch of luxury. The SE’s standard equipment list is impressive, but the optional Weather and Moonroof Package takes things to the next level with heated rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel for year-round comfort.

The Pinnacle Of Prime Performance

For those who demand the ultimate in RAV4 Prime sportiness, the XSE trim level reigns supreme. A two-tone exterior paint scheme with a black roof (available in select colors, including the head-turning Supersonic Red) sets it apart from the crowd. Exclusive 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels and vertical LED accent lights further amplify the XSE’s aggressive stance.

The XSE reveals a luxurious cabin brimming with standard features like a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display with JBL speakers, a 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters. The Qi-wireless phone charger, ambient interior lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver elevate the comfort and convenience factor.

The RAV4 Prime Packs Safety Features

The 2024 RAV4 Prime comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which is a suite of active safety features that are designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions. TSS 2.5+ includes the following features:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This system can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists in front of the vehicle and warn the driver with an audible and visual alert. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): This system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even at low speeds.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: This system can warn the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and can also provide gentle steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
• Lane Tracing Assist: This system can help the driver center the vehicle in its lane by providing slight steering adjustments.
• Automatic High Beams: This system can automatically switch between high beams and low beams when it detects oncoming or preceding vehicles.
• Road Sign Assist: This system can recognize certain road signs, such as speed limits and stop signs, and display them on the multi-information display.

Other Standard Safety Features Include:

• Blind Spot Monitor: This system can warn the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This system can warn the driver if there is a vehicle approaching from either side when backing out of a parking space.
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking: This system can help the driver avoid collisions with stationary objects or approaching vehicles when parking.

Toyota Star Safety System Bolsters The RAV4 Prime’s Defensive Arsenal

Toyota’s Star Safety System is also standard on the 2024 RAV4 Prime. This system includes the following features:

• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Smart Stop Technology (SST)

Overall, the 2024 RAV4 Prime is well-equipped with various safety features that offer peace of mind.